Labeling-machine.



AH. DE ESGOBALES.

LABELING MACHINE..

APPLlcAloN HL'ED ocr. 2B. 19H.

1,297,663@ l Patented Mar. 18,1919.

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l ffyvlavwwxlwmi Afrox/V516: 6' l FI. DE ESCOB-ALES. LABEIING MACHINE.

l APPLICATION FILED OCT. 26. |911. V 1,297,664. Patented Mar. 18,1919.

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A TTORNEYJ'.

Patented Mm. 18,1919.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

'IIIiiIlIII V=`I I IlIII. l IIIIII|III Huot EscoALEs.

LABELING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED OCT. 26 1917.

H, DE ESCOBALES. f 4 LABELING MACHINE.

APPLlcATloM meu ocr. 2e. 1911. l 1,297,664, Patented Mar. 18,1919

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an spaans Parana carica..

HILABION DE ESCOBALES, NEW YORK, N. Y.

mamme-Massima. l

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. i8, ttig.

Application tiled october 26, 1917. Serial No. 198,724.

tion.

This invention 'relates to improvements in labeliii'gniachines, pertaining more particularlyto machines adapted toapply labels to a plurality of faces carton, box, or the like.

The resent invention is designed more partie arly for the purpose ofcompleting packages of more or less angular' configuration, the container being of suitable form and generally adapted to have one of its faces opened to provide access to the inte-` rior of the container. Instead of Wrapping containers of this type, it has become the practice to retain the container closed by the use of a label an intermediate portion of which is applied on the face which is intended to be opened, the ends of the label being applied'to opposite ends of the container. In other words, the label has a length greater thanpthe length of a .con-

tainer` longitudinal wall, and the surplusends of the label are carried over the ad- Packages of this type have heretofore been labeled nia1iually,- and, so far as Il am aware, Iam the first. to produce an apparatus adapted to provide this labeling action automatically.

The present invention is designed to proi vide this automatic labeling action in a simple and efficient manner, the apparatus bcing of such type to provide for comparatively large capacity operations.

Inv addition, the present invention also contemplates labeling operations in the formation of` packages which differ in size. thus dispensing with the necessity of emploving individual and differently proportioned apparatus for each size of package which is to be labeled in this manner. The present invention is designed in such man# ner that the changes required when a container of different size is to be labeled will be confined to a minimum number of points. thereby making it possible to quicklvcliange the machine to accommodate for the different sizes.

To these .and other ends. the nature of which will be readily understood as the inf of an angular container,

vention is hereinafter disclosed, said invent1on3ilifnsistsin t e improved construction ancLihbinatOn of parts `hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and more particularly pointed out -in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference characters indicate similar parts in each of the views: Figure lis a front elevation of one form in which the present invention may be embodied.

Fig. 1a is a detail perspective view of a clamping structure. A

Figs. 2, 3 and 4 are perspective views showingthe successive operations employed in applying the label to the container.

Fig. o is a horizontal sectional view taken on line `V-`V of Fig. l.

Fig. 6 is a top plan view of a portion of the apparatus,showing more particularly the label feed mechanism.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken on line VII-VII of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a detail sectional view taken on linaVH-VHI of Fig. 7.

Figs. 9, 10 and l2 are sectional views taken respectivelypoir the lines :H-H, X-X and XI`XI of Fig. l. l

Fig. 1l is a detail sectional view.

Before describing in detail the various mechanisms employed in the embodiment of the apparatus shown in the drawings, l will irstgive a brief ldepscription of the general operation of the apparatus Referring first to Figs'f" 3 and 4. C indi- '.Catcs a container whipli may be of anwv de sired type` but which.isi'generally Ofangular configuration when clsed. Containers of this type are in general userl for many purposes. as for instance in ypackaging biscuits and crackers. tobacco lproducts, etc.. one'of the faces ofl Ithe' package-generally the upper face indicated at c-being adapted to be opened. The wallstructure for providing this effect may be of any type, Fig. 2 showing. for the purpose of illustration, an arrangement in which two Haps are employed. each of less width than the width of the face.. these two iiaps being in overlapping relation. flhis isbut one of a number of forms of container which may be einployed.

The label. indicated at L, is preferably of a width,substantially equal to the width of the container, although' this width of the label may be less than the width of the container. However, the label preferably has a length equal to the length of the face of the container 'which is adapted to be closed, plus the vertical length of the two ends of the container, so that when the label is applied, it extends over one end, along the length of the top and down over the opposite end of the container, and the general operation of the apparatus is designed to provide for label application in this manner.

' Obviously, the label ends may be of a length less than the vertical height of the end of the container', but, as above pointed out, it is preferred that the label practically cover the ends and top of the container. This permits the exposed. face of the label to be arranged' to carry indications corresponding to individual labels, the face of the label be ingprinted to provide this result, so that` the applied label will give the appearance of three distinct labels, althoug until the package is broken in opening the container, the vthree label faces are formed on one structure'. As will be understood, when the package is opened, the label will be ruptured along the corners provided at the junction oil: the vertical and horizontal faces of vthe `container, thus leaving the end labels intact and, where the top wall is of an integral structure, also leaving the top label intact. The label is secured to the respectivel faces of the container by adhesive, and this is applied to the under face of the label, preferably in the form of stripes a, as indicated in Fig. 2.

The general operation of the apparatusA provides for advancing a container 1n a d1- rection transverse 'to-the direction of length'v of the container, the advance movement placing thev container in position between advance movement of the container, are

two clamping elements which, duringI the spread a distance greater than the length of the container, thus permitting the container `to be freely positioned between these clamping' elements with the elements positioned in opposition to the opposite ends of the con-` tainer. A label, having the adhesive stripes c, is lcd downward to locate its lower end between the advance end of the container and the advance clamping element, after which the clamping elements are brought into clamping relation with the container, thus securing the advance end of. the label to the advance end of the container.

The container is then advanced in the direction of its length-the direction of label,-

application-the Yclamped end of the label 4serving to draw thelabcl by the advancing action of the contuiner,` this advancing movement of the containei1 and label carrying the top of the container' with thelabel beneath a plurality of wiping brushes which serve to wipe the intermediate portion of the label on to the top of the container,

the end of the advancing niovelneint/.oi thel tothe wiping instrumentality, wipes the re-v maining or trailing end of the label on to the end of the container,V producing the result shownin Fig. 4 'and completing the labeling operation.

The completed package is removed from .the carrier while the latter is in its upper position, this being rovided by a. reciprocating plunger or pus er operative, when the ca rrier is in this station, to pushl the container transversely on to asuitable support or carrier from which' it is taken in any suitable way.

Referringlmore particularly to the draw-4 ings, 20 designates a frame in which is mounted a'main shalt 21 adapted to be driven from a sultable drive source, indicated as fast and loose pulleys 2Q, tlie shaft of the latter being connected to shaft 21 by suitable gear connections, this being simply an illustrative marmer of drivin shaft 2l.-

Supported on rame 20 is a table 23 hav i ing its to surface preferably spaced above the top o the frame, said table being adapted to support the boxes, containgeraor vcartons 1n vsuitable manner. As shown in Fig. 5, table 23 is provided with a slot 23 vertical plate or plunger 25, the latter having a suitable length and being, adapted to be reciprocated lback and forth `-bove said table. i f" f I Support 24. includes a rack bar-Q6 extend ing beneath the top plane oi tablc23, lthe support being guided in its rectilinear path by the table in suitable manner. Rack bar 26 coperaties with a gear27`, 'the shaft of which preferably carries a pinion Q8 in mesh with a. gearor segmeut'29, the latter being adapt- `through which extends a support 24- for a ed to be oscillated by mean-s oi a pitman 3() y having one end pivotally connected to gear or segment 29 and its opposite eud adapted to straddlc shaft 2l. Pitman il() has its movements controlled by a cam 3l mounted on shaft 2l, said cam having a groove into which a member, as for instancea roller 32 carried by pitman 30, extends. (By this 'arrangement, the necessary length of oscillating movement .of `gear or segment may be obtainedv by a comparatively small cani structiire'.ja,nd the movementsoi plunger 25 can menace be made with considerable rapidity. By the use of 'la controlling cam, the timing of' plunger movements can be readily controlled, an advantageous arrangement in connect-ion with an apparatus of this type designed to operate in connection with elongated packages and whereit is. desired-.to provide mechanism operations positive in character but with mechanism of a simple type. This arrangement, due to the pattern of the cam, provides for an intermittent reciprocating movement for the support, this movement being designed to advance the box, carton, or container from its 'receiv1ng\ position on table 23 to a definite position at the front of said table, thus placing it in position for further action.

Thile I have shown nol particular mechanism for locating the boxes, cartons or containers in the path of advancing movement of plunger 25, it will be obvious that any one of a number of Well-known arrangements may be employed for the purpose, as lfor 1nstance a structure which will permit the boxes, cartons or containers to be piled on the table, 1vith suitable mechanism to permit the lower box of the pile to be advanced and the plunger returned, after which the succeeding box is permitted to pass into po-l sition in advance of the plunger While the latter is in its rear position, this being a Well- -known form of positioning mechanism. As

will be understood, this plunger and its operating mechanism may be considered as a mechanism for feeding the containers individually.

As will be seen from Fig. 5, this feed of a box or container C locates it between two clamping members 33 and 34, member 3.3 embodying a sleeve 33A loosely mounted 0n an elongated slee-ve 36 carried by a rod 35, said sleeve 33a'having a projection 33b to which a blade is secured, said projection vbeing locatedvin front 'of the front edge of jection 3l and blade 34C. the blad(` extending r ear\vardly"in advance of and spaced from the forward end of the container, blades 33 and 3l forming gripping elements ivhichoperntc in connection with the opposite ends ofthe container.

Sleeve 436 carries a collar 37 adjustable in the direction of length of the sleeve for a purpose presently,(lescribed, and a collarfis ixedly located in rear oslceve 33,

Sleeve 3f', is adapted to be reriprocated on rod 35 by means of the following mechanism:

itman being y link 43, the Afree end of lever 4:2 being connected to sleeve 33tl by a link 14,- this general arrangement causing the, desired length of reciprocation of .the sleeve' with a 'cam of comparatively small dimensions.

' Foxil purposes of explanation it may be noted/theft the advance end of'the label is fed-diy mechanism presently described-bea tween blade 34 and the advancl end of the container, as shown inY Figs. l, 5 and 7. Thcrefore,'by adjusting the position of collar 37 it will be readily understood that the initia advancing movement of sleeve 33a is l practically with a lost motion effect With re- 'spect to sleeve 36= this lost motion permitting blade 339170 contact with the rear end of the container .and advance the container by a pushing act1on into contact with the positiond label and the exposed face of thev latter into Contact with blade 34C, thus clamping the container between the bladesv with the advance end of the label clamped against the advance4 end of the container. Stop. collar 37 will be adjusted to permit this action, and may be so located that the amount of clamping pressure can be more or less controlled by causing the advance end of sleeve 33a to contact with the collar afterv the desired amount of clamping action is. had. Obviously, after sleeve 33a contacts with stop collar 37, further advance causes sleeve 36. to advance, thus providinga unit construction in which both blades are maintained at the..A desired. position, preventing any excess pressure on the `ends of the container to damage the latter. Upon the completion of the advance movement of sleeve sition is of thegeneral type disclosed in my companion application filed'hllircli 13.' 1917. Ser. o.`154.447, the label Aarl'fvhiit'ing carrier being modified along the lines 'disclosed rnv in v companion applicatipn tiled Sept. i3. 1917. Ser. No. 191,259, due to'some extent to the width of the label, certain' other changes being made to provide for variations in sizes of labels as indicated hereinafter. For purabove the container in which an intermediequal to the decrease inflength, thus increasing the length of lost motion of sleeve 33a ivhile obtaining the same general action as described. Should the changed container have a height sufficiently increased so as to employ a label of the same length as before, no change in speedsrot the hand flight v had. it being understood, of course. that the rear end of the label should be released from the discharge endl of theflight practically at such time as is demanded by the container which is advancing during the latter part of the feed.

ln this'latter connection,V the spacing of the lower end of the flight-above table 23' is of importance, in that it provides a space ate portion/of the label may freely sag to a more or less extent untilthe slack is .taken up by the advancing container'. Hence an increase or decrease in speed can be had within reasonable limits Without ati'ectingv the general operation.

Element 68 can be adjustablysecured in position through the slotted connections shown in Fig. 7.

As heretofore pointed out, the initial action on the container when lever 42 begins its advance 4movement is to clamp the container and the advance end ot the label between blades 33 and 34C. As lever 42 continues its advance movement, the clamping- 'unit vthus formed advances and carries the4 advance end of the container beneath a plui-alitlv of wiping brushes 70, these brushes heilig mounted iii al frame 71" vertically adjustahle in brackets so as to locate the brushes in positionto wipe the label on to 'the top of the advancing container, a suitable number of brushes being enTployed, three being indicated in the drawings.

is will be seen. the first brush is so located as to provide a face against which the descending label may contact as the advancing clamped container draivs the label so that assurance is practically had that the label application will be substantially free from buckling, etc.. It will also be understood that the resistance provided by the brush faces as the label is being drawn forward by its clamped end. will also tend to cause that portion of the label which is not clamped at the front end of the container to be 'drawn into contact therewith so that proper label-applying on the advance end and on the top will cause the label to closely fit the corner of the container formed at thev meeting points of the top and the front end of the container.

Advance of the'container not only applies the intermediate portion of the label to the top of the container-leaving the portion of the label for the rear end trailingr behind the container-but also carries the embryo package thus produced between two'horizontally-extending plates 72a and 72b sup- 75 ported b v brackets 7:2 secured onv vertically extending members T3. located in rear of the path of travel ot' the embryo gplackage, the lovver ends of member 73 extending in guides and being adapted to he reciprocatedy verticalli-rais presently described. The brackets for plates 72b arc adjustable vertically on member 73 in order to vary the distance be tiveen the two plaies.4 plate 72a, when this carrier structure is in its loiver position, having its top tace substantially flush with the top face ot table Q3. this top face of plate 72a practicalliY forming a continuation of the table surface when the carrier is in this position. As a result the advancing package simply passes into the space between plates 72a and 72", the end of the advance movement being arranged so that the rear end o f the container is flush .with or slightly overlaps the periphery of .the last of the brushes 7 0, the succeeding vertical movement ot the carrier bringing the trailing end ot the label on to the rear end of the container.

n au bo understood, of oourse, that 100 plates 72a and 72b will bespaced apart a' distance suiicient to freely receive the embryo package, without, however, tending to damage the label during the advancing movement of the package. under face of plate .72b may be provided With a more or less yieldable friction surtace. although this is not essential.

This carrier structure is operated at timed intervals b v` connections between the 'carrier and a controlling cam 74: mounted on shaft 21, through the following connections. One

lf desiredi the of the members 73 has a portion 73*1 carrying i racl: teeth. adapted to coperate with a pinion 75. said pinion beingl in mesh with a vgear 76. the shaft of which also carries a pinion 77 in mesh with a gear or segment 78 (Fig. 12) suitably suppoed andvwhich may be loosely7 mounted on the shaft which' supports pinion 7 79 indicates a pitman having one end connected to gear or segment 78. the opposite end of the pitrnan straddling shaft Q1 and having a roll operative in the groove of cam 74:, the pattern of this groove bei-ng arranged to provide reciprocations of the carrier, vertically and intermittently. the carrierbeing placed in its lower position to permit advance of the embryo package therein. after which it moves upwardly to its opposite extreme, dwelling inmovements of the container being rela-tive of the container.

As heretofore pointed cut, the apparatus is adapted to operate in connection with containers and labels of various sizes. plunv ger '25 requiiing no` change, for reasons pointed out', adjustment of stop collar 3T taking care ol differences in length ot the container, adjustability of the label guides and the variable speed changes permitted in connection With vthe band flight taking care of changes in label sizes and adjustability of plate 72b accommodating for different depth of containers, the general operation bein Gears or segments 78 and 86 are shoivn in f .gear form. but itwill be obvious that a segnient having a sulicient number of teeth to take care of the oscillations provided by the pitman with which each is connected may beeniployed in place of a complete gear, 'this being a vvell-knoyvn mechanical equivalent;

And while I haveherein referred to the application of adhesive stripes 'to the label andthe use of an adhesive-applying mechanism, it vwill be understood that .the label- .ing operation may be provided by the use y of labels previously striped andthe adhesive dried, in which case the adhesive apply -ing instrumentality will be adapted to moisteii the previously applied adhesive, these types of producing a sticky adhesive surface being considered as equivalents in this particular type of work.

It will also be understood that While I have herein referred to a label.v the apparatus is adapted to be employed in connection with stampsfand other elements of covering structures, and the invention is n'ot to be considered as limi-ted by the use of the term label., I y

While I have herein shown and described i a preferred embodiment of the invention, it

,I claim as new, is:

l. In machines for labeling containers or the like. a receiving station. a container-advancing instrumentality having clampingv ii'ienibcrs. said instrumentality being adjust-y ableto accommodate containers of different lengths, label feedin mechanism operative to deliver a label en into seid station at a predetermined delivery ma, said Himbenism having means for varying thede'liveiy speed of the label, label applying means in the path ot the advancing instrumentality, and a carrier movable transversely to the travel path of the instrumentality, said cer-` rier being adjustable to accommodate containers varying as to depth.

2. In machines for labeling containers or the like wherein the label is applied successively to one end, the top and the opposite end of a rectangular container, a receivin c'statioin means for locating the container an its label in said station with a labial end in advance of the container, mechanism for clamping the label end in applying'positioii to the container, label-applying means, and

`means for advancing the container and its clamped label relative to said label-applying means to first complete label application to the advance end and the top of the container and then to the opposite end of the container.

3. In machines for labeling containers or the/like wherein the label is applied successivly to one end, the top and the opposite end of a ret-angular container, a receiving station, means for locating the container and its label in said station with a label end in advance of the container, mechanism for clampingthe label end in applying position to the container, label-applying means, means for advancing the clamped container and its label relative to said label-applying means to complete label application to the advance end andthe top of the container, said clamping and advancing means being rendered inactive upon completion of said label application, and means for moving the container ivith its partially-applied label relative to said label-applying means in a direction angular to the container-advance for completing the label application.

4. In machines for applying labels and adapted to apply a label to the top and an end of a container or the like, a containerreceiving station, a container-advancing instrumentality movable from said station in the direction of label application, means 'for locating a label end in relative position to a positioned container 'end to yvhich it is to be applied in advance of instrumentality ac tivity, and means for completing label application to l'said container end and the top of the container during such instrumentality advance,

In machines for applyingr labels and adapted to apply a label to the top and an end of a container or thc like. a container receiving station. a' container-advancing iii-- struinentality movable from said station in the direction of label application. said in. struinentality including a pairof'container-I clamping members normally-located opposite toand spaced from theends of a posi-- tioned container, means for locating a label end lbetween the advance end of the container and its opposed clamping member, label-applying Ineans, and means for advancing the instrumentality to ,first clamp.

container-clamping 4members normally located opposite to and spaced from the ends of a positioned container, said members being relatively movable to vary the distance therebetween, means for locating a label end between the advance end of the container and its opposed clamping mem-ber in advance of member movement to decrease such distance, label-applying means, and means for advancing the instrumentality to first clamp the container by decreasing the member distance and :then completing the label application to such advance end and the top of the container.

7. In machines for applying labels and adapted .to apply a label to the top and an end of a container or the like, a containerreceiving station, a container-advancing instrumentality movablefrom said :station in the direction of label application, said instrumentality including a sleeve carrying a clamping member, a second sleeve mounted 'thereon and movable relatively thereto and carrying a second clamping member, said members being normally `located opposite to and spaced from the opposite container ends, means for locating a label end be- `'tween the advance. end of the positioned container and its clamping member, .and means whereby said members Will be moved relatively-to each other to clamp the container and such labelend during advancing movement; of the instrumentality.

8. In machines for applying labels and adapted to apply a label to the top and an end of a container or the like,'a containerreceiving tation, acontainer-advancing instrumentality movable from said station in die direction of label application, said instrumentality including a sleeve carrying a clamping member, a second sleeve mounted thereon and movable relatively thereto and carrying 'a second clamping member, said ymemberA being normally located opposite to and spaced `from ythe, opposite container endsu means for locating a label end between the advance end of the positioned nnoosite ends of container and its clamping member, an adjfustatble collar carried by said first-mentionedsleeve and forming a stop to lilmt 'the distance variation of the members in one direction, vand means whereby said members will be moved relatively to each other to clamp the container and such label end during advancing movement of the instrumentality. p

9. In machines for applying labels and adapted to apply a labely to the top and an end of ay container or the like, a containerreceiving station, a container-advancing instrumental-ity lmovable from said station in the direction of label application, said instrumentality including a sleeve carrying a clamping member in advance of a positioned container, a second sleeve mounted thereon and movable relatively thereto and carrying limited independent movement of the rear clamping member to permit. clamping' of the positioned container with the label end in position, a drive shaft, and means operatively donnecting said second sleeve to the drive shaft.

l0. In machines for applying labels and adapted to apply a label to thel top4 and 'an end of a container or the like, a containerreceiving station, a, c`ntainer-advancing instrumentality movable from said station fin' the direction of label application, said instrumentality including a sleevey carrying a clamping member in advance ofa positioned container, a second sleeve mounted. thereon and movable relativelythereto'l and carryin' a second clamping member in rear of suc positionedv container, said members being normally located opposite to but spaced from the positioned container, means for loeating a label end between the advance. member vand the container, a collar carried by 'and adjustable inthe direction of length ofthe first-mentioned sleeve to permit a limited independentmovement of the rear clamping member to permit clamping of the positioned container with thelabel end in position, a drive shaft, and means opera- 4tively connecting said second sleeve to the drive shaft, said latter means including a cam, a pivoted lever connected to said sleeve, and operative connections between the cam and said lever its pivot. i

11. In labeli-n machines,a receiving statilon for the arlcle t9 be' labeled, a gai of c ampin mem ers4 l at for oscillating. the latter onr therefrom in the receiving station, means for locating a label end between the article and one of said members, a pair of sleeves for supporting said members, means for impart a reciprocating movement of constent ength to one of said sleeves, operalabehand means for applying label portions to the clamped article.

12.111 labeling machines, a receiving station` for the article to be labeled7 a pair of clamping members normally positioned at opposite ends of the article and spaced therefrom viii-the receiving station, means for locating a label end between the article and one of said members, a pair 'of sleeves for supporting said members, means for imparting aA reciprocating movement of constent length to one of said sleeves7 operative connections between said sleeves to adjustably control the length of'moveiiient of the other sleeve to clamp the article and positioned label, and means for applying label portions to the clamped article. f

13. ln labeling machines, a receiving station for the, article to be -labeled',means for locating an end of the label in said station. in advance of theypositioned article, a pair of clamping members normally vpositioned at opposite ends of the article and spaced therefrom in the receiving station, a pair of sleeves for supporting said members', means for imparting a reciprocating movement of constant length to one of said sleeves, and operative connections between l said sleeves to control the length of movenient of the other sleeve.

14. ln machines for applying labels and adapted to apply a label to the top and an end of a container o r the like, a containerreceiving station, a 'container-advaiicing instrumentality movable from said station in the direction of 'labelapplicatioiu a label supply, means for feeding individual labels successively from 'said supply to deliver a Iabel'into said station in a direction angular to the direct-ion of advance ot' the inst-rumentality with the advance end of the label in advance of the positioned container, said instrumentality including clamping means operative to clamp the ylabel end to the container during instrumentality advance movement, and means for completing label *applicationto said container end and the .top of the container during such advance movement.

adapted to applya label to the top and an end of a container or the like. a containerreceiving station,` av container-advancing instriimentality movable from said station in the direction of label application. a' label supply, means for feeding individual labels successively from said supply to deliver a abel-into said station in a direction. angular to the direction of'advance of Athe instrumentality with the advance end of the label in advance of the positioned container and for applying adhesive to a face of the label in advance of such label positioning,

said instrumentality including clampingmeans operative to clampv the label end to the container during ii'istruinentality advance movement, and means for completing label application to said container end and `the topof the vcontainer during suc-h advance movement.

16. In machines for applying labels'and i adapte-d to apply a label to the op and an -end of a container or the like, a container-` receiving station, mechanism for grippiii`g.

containers individually in said station and foradvancing the gripped containers to apply the label, and means for feeding. labelsr to locate a laibel advance end in relative position to the container advance end, said mechanism including gripping elements, and means for adjustably regulating the gripping positions of said elements to accommodate containers of dilerent length.A

. 17. In machines for applying labels and adapted to apply a label to the top and niiend Jot a container or' the like, a containerreceiving station, mechanism for gripping containers individually in said station and for advancing the gripped containersfin the direction of label application to apply the label, and means for feeding labels to locate a label advance end in relative 'position to the fcontainer advance end, said mechanism including gripping elements, and means for adjustablv regulating the gripping positions -of .said elements to accommodate containers of dife-rent length.

1S. In machines for applying labels and adapted to apply a 'label to the top and an cnd of a container or the like, a containerreceiving station. mechanism for gripping containers individually in said station and for advancing the gripped containers tok ap vply the label, and means tor feeding labels 1 end of a container or'the like. a containerl5. In machines for applying labels and receiving station, mechanism for gripping containers individuali;7 in said station and for advancing the-gripped containers to app1;v the label. and means for feeding labels to locate a label advance end in relative positionto the container advance end, said mechanism including gripping elements movincluding gripping elements y 25 said elements.

able relatively to eachl other to provide distance decrease therebetween during the gripping operation, said label feeding means locating the label end between thev container end and opposed gripping element, and an adjustable stop device operative to limit the lengthoi'l such relative movement.

20. ln machines for applying labels and adapted to apply a label to the top and an end of a container or the like, a .containerreceiving station, mechanism for' gripping containers individually in said 'station and for advancing the gripped containers to apply the label, and means for feeding labels to locate a label advance end in relative position to the container advance end, said mechanism being adapted to be reciprocated bodily and including gripping elements movable relatively to each other and-normally 2o spaced a maximum distance While in said station, said label feeding means locating the label end between the container end and cfpposed gripping element, and adjustable means for limitiflg the minimum spacingof 21. In mechanism foiapplying labels aiid adapted to apply a label to the topand an' end of a coiitniner or the like, a containerreceiving station, mechanism for gripping 4 containers individually in said station and for advancing the gripped :ontainers to 'apply the label, and means for feeding labels to locate a label advance' end in relative position to the container advance end, said mechanism. being adapted to be reciprocated bodily and including gripping elements mov-4 able relatively to each other and normally spaced a maXiini/:m distance While in said v station, said label feeding means locating the 40 label end between the container end and opposed gripping element and adjustable means for limiting the minimum spacing of said elements, and means for reciprocating said ii'iechanism,`imovement oi.' said mechanism in one direction being With .maximum spacing of the elements, the bodily movenient or tliemechanism in the other direction being v vith. said elements at gripping spacing. ln machines for applying labels and 1501y adapted-.to apply a label to the top and an end oic l container or the like, a containerreceiving station, mechanismfor gripping containers individiiially'in said stationand for advancing the gripped containers to appli' the label, and iiieansfor feeding labels to locate a label advance end in relative position to the container advance end to be gripi'ied 'by tbe gripping mechanism, saidmcaiis including a flight adapted to deliver containers individually in said station andA .for advancing the gripped containers to apply the label, and meansfor feeding labels to locate a label advance end in relative position o bthe pontainer advanle end to be lrip e' te ip in mec ani'sm, said igneails incliidin l(dilliihtgadapted to deliver a label into said stationat predetermined speed, said flight beingoperative to present a face of the label to adhesive-applying mechanism, and means forvarying the delivery speed of saidlflight. 4

24. In machines for applying' labels and adapted toapply a label to the top and an `end of a container or the like, acontainer receivingfstation, mechanism for grippi containers individually in said station an for adyancin apply the la el, ,and means for feeding labels to locate a label advance end in relative position to the Acontainer advance end -,to be grippedbyi the gripping mechanism,

said meansincluding a band-formed Hight operative at "apredetermined delivery speed;

and positioned to del'iverthe label into said station in advance of a positioned container vin a direction angular to the direction of vtravel of saidmechanisni, and means for varying the delivery speed of said flight.

26. In' machines for applying labels and adapted toapply aflabel to the top and an end of a container or 'the "like, a containerreceiving station, mechanism for gripping containers `individually in 'saidl station and for advancing the gripped-containers `to apply the label, and means for feeding labels to locate a label advance end in relative po sition to the container advance end to be gripped by the gripping mechanism,- said means including 'alllight for delivering a label/into said" station Iat Ypredetermined y speed, and means for varying the delivery speed of the flight, said mechanisminclud- 25. Inmachinesfor applying labels and -i kadapted to applya label to the top and an I end of afcontaine'r or the like, a containerthe gripped containers to.

, 60thc label at predetermined speed, and means ing gripping elements, and means for adior varying tbe delivery-speed of siich label. juStribly regulating the gripping positions 23. ln machines for applying labels and adapted to apply a label to the top and an end of a container or the like, a container- 6.5 `receiving station, mechanisml for gripping of said elements, whereby the machine is adapted vfor label application with containersand labels of variousv dimensions.

` 27. ln labeling machines,a receiving sta- 130 waneer tion for the article to be labeled, `anarticle carrier movable to and from said station in the direction of length of the article, said carrier including clamping members located at opposite ends of the postioned artin cle, means for feeding a label end into such station Vin advance o a positioned article and in rear of the opposed clamping member and with the label extendin in a direc tion angular to the direction o adorancing movement of thecarrier, said label feeding means'including atraveling Hight movable to deliver the label at predetermined speed,

means for varying the delivery speed of said flight, an means for controlling the distance between said clamping members.

28. In labelin inachinesfor a plying labels and adapte to appl a labe to the top and an end of a rectangular container or the like, a container-,receiving station, a containeradvancing instrumentality having clamping members, means for advancing a container laterally into said station between said members, means for locating a label end 'in advance of the positioned container and in lposition to be clamped to the container by one of said members, and means,

for completing labelapplication to said advance end and the top of the container dur ing such instrumentality advance.

29. ln labeling machines for applying labels and adapted toapply. al label to the top and an end of a rectangular container or the like, a contain nreceivingA station, a container-advancing instrumentality having clamping members, means for advancing a container laterally to locate the container in predetermined position between lsaid members within said station with the rear side wall of the advancing container on a predetemnned vertical plane, means Jforlo eating a label end in advance oiv the positioned container and in position to be clamped to the container by one of said members, label-applying mechanism, and means for advancing said instrumentality to complete label application to said advance end and top of the container, said means maintainin said Wall on said verticalrplane during t e advance movement.

30. In labeling machines for applying labels and adapted to apply a label to the top and an end of a rectangular container or the like, a container-receivin station, a

y container-advancing instrumenta ity havingclamping members, means for advancing a container laterally to locate the container in predetermined position between said members Within said station with the rear side wall of the advancingr container on aprefdetermined' vertical plane, means 'for locating a label end in advance of the positioned container and inposltion to be clamped to the container by one of said members, labelapplying mechanism, andI mea-ns for ad'- vancing said instrumentality to com lete label application to said advance end an top of the container, said means maintaining said wall on said vertical plane during the adv ance movement, said instrumentality having a configuration to permit positioning of containers of f dil-w# -Ett Widths. 31. In machines for applying labels to the top and opposite ends of a container or the like, a container` lreceiving station, a container advancin instrumentality, means for locating a labo end in -said station in ad Vance of a positioned container, a vertically reciprocating carrier in the path of an advancing container, and label applying means between said carrier and thereceiving station for completing application of the label to the container.

32. ln machinesfor applying labels to the top and opposite ends of a container or the like, a container receiving station, a container advancing instrumentality, means for locating a label end in said station in ad- Vance of a positioned container, a vertically reciprocating carrier in the path of an adbetvveen said carrier and lthe receiving stavancing container, and label applying means tion for applying the label to the rear end of v betweenA said carrier and the receiving station for completing application of the label to the top of the container, said means being operative to apply the rear end of the label to the corresponding end of the container during movement 0f the carrier. I'

34. In machines for applying labels to thc top and opposite ends of a container or the like, a container receiving station, a container advancing instrumentality, means for locatinga label end in said station in advance of a positioned container, a vertically reciprocating carrier in the path of an advancing container, and label applying means between said-carrier andthe receiving station for completing application oi" tlielabel to the top of the'containcr, said means being positioned relative to the carrier to cause label application to the rear end of the container during travel of the carrier.

In machines for applying labels to the top and oppositeends of a container or the like, a container receiving station, a container advancing instrumentality movable in the direction of label application, means for I reciprocating lcarrier in the path of an advancing container, means for advancing said instrumentality from the receiving station i to locate the rear end of the container. at a predetermined point relative to said c arrier, and label-applying means between said carrier and the receiving station for completing like, a container receiving station, a con- -tainer advancing instrumentality movable in' the direction of label application, means for locating a label end in said station in ad. vance of a positioned container, avertically reciprocating carrier' in the path of an advancing container, means for advancing said instrumentality from the receivin 'station to locate the'rear end of the container at a predetermined point relative to said carrier, a label wipingbrush between said carrier and the receiving station for completing application of the label to the top 'of the container during instrumentality advance, said brush being positioned relative to saidpoint to cause'saidbrush to Wi e the rear end of the label to the corresponding end of the container during travel of the carrier.

37.' In machines for applying labels and adapted to apply a label tothe top and an end of a container oi'. the like, a containerreceiving station, a-container advancing instrumentality movable in the direction oflabel application, means for locating a label end in said station in advance of a positioned container with the label extending in, a direction angular to the direction of advance of the container, and label applyf ing means in the patliof 'the advancingiw 'strumentality and operative to ycomple'te the application of the label to the top of the I container, said applying means including =a label wiping brush positioned above the path of travel of the instrumentality and adapted lto serve as a guide for the label during such instrumentalityv advance.

38. In machines for applyin'gvlabels to' Y vthe top and opposite ends of .a container or the like, a container receiving station, a container advancing instrumentality movable in the direction of label application,

means for locating a label end in said station in advance of a positioned container with the label extending angular to the direction of advance of the instrumentality, a vertically reciprocating carrierinA the path ot an advancing container, and label applying means between said carrier and thel receiving station for completing,r the application of the label to the top of the conm tainer during such instrumentality advance., said means being located above4r the travel path of the instrumentality and adapted to serve as a guide for the label during such advance ofthe container with the label en tending angular to the direction of advance of the instrumentality, a vertically recip rocating carrier in the path of an advancing container, and label applying means bea tween said carrier ,and the receiving station for completing, the label application,

said means being located above'the travel patli. of the instrumentality Yand positioned relatively to the label and to said carrier to cause said means to serve as a guide for v the label during instrumentality advance and to apply the rearend of the label "ro the corresponding 'end of the container during` travel of the carrier. f

40. In machines for .applying labels to the top andopposite ends of a container or the like, a container receiving station, a .container advancing instrumentality movable in the direction of label application, means for locating a label end Ain said station in advance of the container with the label errtending angular to the direction of advance of the instrumentality, a verticallyvreeipro i eating carrier in the path of an advancing container, and. label applying `means be* tween said carrier and the receiving. sta tion for completing the label application, said means including a plurality of wiping brushes positioned above the travelpath of the instrumentality, one of said brushes being -adapted to serve as a guide for the label during instrumentality advance, a second 'brush being adapted to wipe tlierear end 'ict the label on to the corresponding end, et

the container.-

4:1. In lmachines for applying labels to the top and opposite ends of a container or the like, a container receiving station, a con tainer .advancing instrumentality movable lili the direction ot label application, said instrumentality including clamping mem'- bers, means'for advancing a container laterally. tovlocate the container in pradet-ei`- mined position between said members Within said station with the rear side wallof the container on a predetermined vertical plane, means tor locating a-label yend in advance of the positioned container and in las' position to be clamped to the :containerby one of said members. a vertically reciproeating carrier in the path of an advancing container, label applying-means between said isc g alsaciens carrier andthe receiving station` for com.

plating the ,label application, and means for advancing the positioned vcontainer to locate its rear-.end at a predetermined point relative to said carrier, the advance .movement of the container maintaining said container wall in said vertical plane, said' instrumentality and said carrier each havinga conguration to accommodate dierent widths 'of container while maintaining said rear side wall on said plane.'

42. ln Imachines for applying labels to the top andl'opposite ends of a container orv the like, a receiving station, means for locating a container and its label in said station with a label end in advance of the container, means for clamping the label end in applying position to the container and for advancing the container in a predetermined travel path and in the direc'- tion of label application to complete label application to said end and the top of the container, `and mechanism for shifting the container and its applied label out of such` travel path, said mechanism being opera'- tive inthe application of the remainder of the label to the container.

43. ln machines for applying labels to the top and opposite ends of a container or the like, a receiving station, means tor locating a container and its label in said station with a label end in advance of the container. .means for clamping the label end in applying position to the container and for advancing the container in a predetermined travel path andin the direction of label application to complete label application to said end and the top'of the container, and mechanism for shifting the container and its applied label out of such travel path, said mechanism including a pair of plates, means for supporting said plates in spaced parallelY planes. and means vfor reciprocating said i supporting means vertically.

44. ln machines for applying labels to the top and opposite ends of a container or the like, a receiving station. means for locating a container and its label in said station with a -label end in advance of the container, means for clamping the label end in applying position to the container and for advancing the container in a predetermined 'travel path and in the direction of label application to complete labell application to said end and the top of the container, and mechanism for shifting the container and its applied label out ot'such travel path, said mechanism including a pair of plates,l means 1 adapted to apply a label to the top and an positions, said reciprocating means being active to provide a dwell in each position, whereby said ,plates may receive a labeled container at one position, shift it out of such position to permit return of the ad-4 vancingv means for a succeeding operation and to' concurrently apply the remainder of the label, and locate the container in position for removal from the plates.

45. In machines for applying labels and adapted-to apply a label to the top and anend of a container 'or the like, a receiving station, means for locating a container and its label in said station with a label end in advance of the container, mechanism for clampingvthe label end in ap lying position to the container and for a vanclng the container and clamped label in a rede- 'termined travelpath in the direction of label application to complete label applica.- tion to the said end and the top of the container, said mechanism includin o posing clamping members between w ic the container and label are clamped, and a carrier for recclving the container and lts applied label, said carrier being movable in a direction transverse to the path of travel ot the advancing container.

46. ln' labeling machines, a cmitaiiier-re# 1li'. ln machines for applying labels and adapted to apply a label to the top 'and an end of a container or the like, a receiving station, means for locating a container and its label in said station with a label end: in advance of the container,means fpr clamping the label end in applying position to the container and Afor advancing the container in a predetermined travel path andlfin the direction of label application to complete application to said end and thetop voli the container, andl means for shifting the container and its applied label ont of such travel path while the `advancing means is in its advance position, whereby said advancing means is free to return for a succeeding operation during container movements to -deliverthe labeled container from the machine.

48. ln machines for applying labels and end of a container or the like, a'receivin station. means for locating a container an its label in said station with a labelend in advance of the container. means for clam ing the label end in applying position to t e container and for advancing the container in a predetermined travel path and in the` cluding a reciprocating element movable 'in directions transverse to the travel path direction oi' label application to Acomplete application to said end and the top 'of the container, and means liorshifting the container and its applied label out of such travel path while the advancing-means isin its advance position, said shifting means in-v cluding a reciprocating carrier operative in a direction transverse to said container travel path. y

49. In machines for applying labels and adapted to apply a label to the top and anend of a container or' the like, a receiving station, means for locating a containerV and its label in said station with4 a label end in advance of the container, means for clampingtlie. label end in4 applying position to the' container and for advancing tliecontainer in a predetermined travel path and in the direction of label application to coniplete application to said endA and the top of the container, ,and means for shifting the container and its applied label out of such travel path While the advancing means is in its advance position, said means inof the container.

50.' In machines for applying labels and adapted to apply a label to the top and an end of acontainer or the like, a receiving stato the container and for advancing the con` tion, means for locating a container and its label in said stat-ion with a label end in advance of the container, means for clamping the label end in applying position to the container and for advancing the. container in a predetermined travel path and in the direction of label application to complete Iapplication to said end and the top of the container, and means for shifting the container and its applied label out of such travel path While the advancing means is in its adv-ance position, said means including a reciprocating carrier movable iii directions transverse t-o such container travel path, and means for discharging the container from the carrier While the lattei' isvout of such travel path. l

51, In machines for applying labels and adapted to apply a label to the top'and an end of aconta-iner or the like, a receiving station, means for ,locating a container and its label ,in said station With the label end in advance of the container, means for clamping the label end in applying position thiner in a predetermined travel path and in the direct-ion of label application to complete application to said end and the top of the container, and means for shifting the container and its applied label out of suoli travel path While the advancing means is in its advance positionI` said means including a reciprocating carrier movable in directions transverse to siiclr container travel path,

top and an 'end of a rectangular container or the like, a receiving station, means for loca-ting a container and its label in said station with a container side 'Wall on a predetermined vertical pl-'ane and with a label end in advance of the container, means for 'clamping the label end in applying position to the container and for advancing the container in a predetermined travel path and in the direction of label application to complete label application to said end and the top of the container, said advancing means being' operativel to retain said conp tainer Wall `on said vertical vplane during movement, and means' movable from the op posite side of and'through said plane' for shifting the container and its applied label away from said plane and out of the path of a succeeding container and its applied label.

53. In labeling machines for applying labels and adapted to apply a label to the top and an end of a rectangular container or the like, a receiving station, means for locating a container and its label in said station with a container side wall on a predetermined vertical plane and With a label end in advance of the container, means for clam-ping the label4 end in applying position to the container and for advancing the containei in a predetermined travel path and in the direction of label application to complete label application to said end and the top of the container, said advancing means being operative to retain saidvcontainer Wall on said vertical plane during movement, a carrier movable transversely to the direction of container advance" for moving-f the containei' ontof its travel path, ysaidadvancing means` and `carrier being operative to retain said container v vall on said .vertical plane during movement, and meansmov-A able froin the opposite side'of and'gthiiough saidplane for shifting the wntainerfand its ap liedlabel away from said f'plan and' out o the path of a succeeding' container and its applied label. 'l f 54.'In labeling Vmachines for applying .labels and adapted to applyva label to the top and anend of a rectangular 'container or the like, a receiving station, means for locating a container and its label in' said station with'-ii'coiitainer sidewall oma-'predetermined vertical plane and With a label end in advance of the container, means"` fori the latter transversely away from said planel being operative to retain said container Wall on said vertical plane during movement, and

applied label.

55. in labeling machines for applying labels and adapted to apply a label to the top and an end of rectangular container or the like, a receiving station adapted to 'receive a container and its label with a label end positioned in advance of the'container, means for advancing a container into said station with the advance movement carrying the` container across a predetermined vertical plane on which a side Wa-ll of the container is located in said station, means for positioning thelabel end, means for clampingv the label end in applying position to the container and for advancing the container in a predetermined travel path and in the direction of label application to complete label application to. said end and the top of the container, said advancing means being operative to retain said container Wall on said vertical plane dui'- ing movement, and means operative on the container with its applied label for shifting to discharge the container, said latter means being movable across said plane during the container discharging operation.

5G. In labeling .A machines for applying labels Aand-adapted to apply a label to the top and an end of a rectangular container or the like, a receiving station adapted to receive a container and its label With a. label end positioned in advance of the container,

' means for advancing a container into said station with the advance movement 4carrying the container across a predetermined vertical plane on Which a side Wall of the container is located in'said station, means for positioning the label end, means for clamping the 'label end in applying position to the container and for advancing the container in a predetermined travel path and in the direction of label application to complete label application tosaid end and the top of the container, a carrier movable transversely to the direction of container advance for moving the container out of its travel path,

.said advancing means and carrier being operative to retain said container Wall on Asaid vertical plane during movement, and

means operative on the container and its applied la'bel while positioned in said carrier for shifting the latter transversely away from said plane 4to discharge the container from the carrier, said latter means being movable across said plane during the container-discharging operation.

57. In apparatus for applying a sheet or label to a packet, and wherein the packet and sheet or label are brought into relative positions for application of the sheet or label, means for advancing the packet and sheet or label to partially apply the latter, a vertically reciprocating carrier into' which .the packet and the sheet or label are del livered, 'means for shifting said carrier and concurrently continuingthe sheet or label application to locate the packet and its sheet or label in a di'erent plane, and mechanism for discharging the packet and its sheet or label from the carrierl When in the latter plane, said mechanism including a rwiproeating plunger, a cam, an oscillatory gear element, a pitman connection between. the cam and gear element,and a gear train between thegear element and said plunger.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

HILARION DE ESCOBALES.` 

